‘Homeland’ Season 4 Ups Nazanin Boniadi’s Fara to Series Regular

It's been a good few months since we've heard anything on the subject of 'Homeland' season 4, but considering its shocking end and the subsequent cast demotions, Showtime's sometime-acclaimed counter-terrorism drama has a few holes to fill. Enter season 3 guest star Nazanin Boniadi, who has officially ascended the ranks of series regular in 'Homeland' season 4

For those whose attention dipped with the third season (and we wouldn't blame you), Boniadi played the recurring role of Fara Sherazi, a strong-willed Muslim CIA analyst whom Saul recruited for her expertise in international banking. The character was put at odds for enlisting her relatives in Tehran to help Carrie's mission in the final episodes of the third season and will be operating in a key role working for Carrie at the CIA in season 4.

So far, relatively little is known of the fourth season of Showtime's Emmy-winning drama, though past series regulars Morena Baccarin and Morgan Saylor will have understandably reduced (if not entirely omitted) presences in season 4, now that (spoiler alert!) Damien Lewis' Brody finally bit the big one in season 3 finale "The Star." Mandy Patinkin's Saul Berenson and Rupert Friend's Peter Quinn have been confirmed to return as well, while season 4 will likely pick up with Carrie (Claire Danes)'s appointment to Istanbul, in order to return to the character's roots as a competent case officer in a foreign country. Additionally, acclaimed scribe Meredith Stiehm will return to the writer's room full-time, having been minimally present in season 3 to work on FX drama 'The Bridge.'

More information about 'Homeland''s fourth season will emerge over the course of the year, but in the meantime, what say you? Will Nazanin Boniadi's ascension to series regular help raise the bar for season 4?